It’s one thing for a keynote speaker to tell an audience “It doesn’t matter where you’re from” and “You can be whatever you want to be” and “Ask God for guidance.”
It’s one thing when the speaker says that – it’s another thing when the speaker is living proof of her words.
Alabama Supreme Court Justice Lyn Lufkin Stuart was the keynote speaker at Thursday evening’s Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star program.
“I’m honored to be asked to speak,” she said. “It’s wonderful to be back in my hometown … Each of you is special. I hope you realize how loved you are.”
Chief Justice Stuart encouraged students to make a plan and set goals.
“Those who fail to plan, plan to fail,” she said. “With God’s help, you can do anything you want to do … It’s never too late to set goals … Believe anything’s possible.”
She also recommended some steps for success.
“Take care of yourself. Think about what you do and who you hang out with,” she said. “Take advantage of educational opportunities – be a lifelong learner. Find a mentor. A mentor is not just someone to help assist someone but who reaches down and gets behind them and pushes them to new heights. Ask God for His help.”
She closed with reading Philippians 4:4-9.
Scholarships
Scholarships for seniors were four-year $500; three-year $350; two-year $250; one-year $150.
Added to two special scholarships, the Rotary Club awarded more than $17,000 in scholarships that evening.
The Randolph Luttrell Memorial Scholarship for $2,000 was awarded to Jade Adams, Escambia County High School.
William and Mary Grissett Memorial Scholarship for $2,000 was awarded to Ziah Young, Escambia County High School.
